1950's Hudson Gear Shift Knob. on 2040-parts.com

Mercedes launches Attention Assist

By Ben Whitworth Motor Industry 13 August 2008 13:28 Mercedes-Benz researchers call it the ‘one-second nap’ – that instant when fatigue overcomes you at the wheel on a long trip and you wake up in hospital. To counter dozing off while driving, which Mercedes claims accounts for a quarter of all major motorway accidents, its engineers have developed an innovative driver support system called Attention Assist. As well as registering linear and lateral acceleration, indicator and pedal operation and vehicle speed, the system also monitors steering response - the most important indicator of fatigue according to Mercedes, is tired drivers have difficulty in keeping their vehicle precisely on track.

2011 Ford Focus: new Focus first in Europe to get Ford SYNC

Ford SYNC in Europe Ford owners in the US have benefited from Ford SYNC for quite some time. And now owners of the 2011 Ford Focus will be the first to get all that connectivity goodness from 2012. Essentially, Ford SYNC is a way of accessing and connecting with devices on – and in – the car.

Volkswagen reveals Taigun concept

Volkswagen has revealed its intention to join the burgeoning compact SUV ranks with the Taigun concept revealed at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil. The four-seat Taigun previews the look and mechanical layout for a new Volkswagen model to be positioned and priced below the popular Tiguan. The new SUV will be launched toward the middle of the decade as a rival to vehicles such as the Mini Countryman, Nissan Juke and Chevrolet Trax.